Little piece of Haiti

While we were waiting to be interviewed on 100 Huntley Street, Karen and I were able to meet a Haitian pastor who works with churches in Haiti and Toronto. We asked him for information about where and when his church meets in Toronto and told him we'd like to come visit in the near future. On Sunday we decided to go and check it out. I was quite sure that the service would start late in typcial Haitian fashion, however, although we arrived early the service was already in full swing. We tried to sneak in and find a seat at the back, but we were quickly noticed and invited to sit at the front, which we politely declined. They were singing a song in Creole when we arrived and it felt great to join in singing. After several songs, the pastor introduced us and invited us to come to the front and share a few words. I should be used to this by now but each time I attend a new Haitian church I am always taken by surprise by this invitation. We shared a brief account of the earthquake and how it effected us personally. They were thrilled that we spoke Creole and warmly welcomed us to their church. Although we spoke to them in Creole, I don't think they were thoroughly convinced that we understand it, because the pastor translated his entire sermon into English for us. I am thankful that we were able to connect with this pastor and fellowship with Haitians on a cold, wintery day in Toronto. It's not as wonderful as returning to Haiti, but it was a little piece of Haiti not too far from home and I'll take what I can get for now!